Shark Wheel

[4] The shape of Shark Wheels came to David Patrick while he was designing an alternating wake turbine that was a spinoff from his research.

Patrick's work has led to support from the LA Cleantech Incubator and the formation of 4sphere, a renewable energy company.

Its single or multiple interlocking rings are based on sine wave patterns, which create a thinner contact patch with the pavement compared to a conventional wheel of the same width.

According to a Future Tech segment in the Discovery Channel's Daily Planet series, the thinner contact patch from the three strips gave a faster ride, less rolling resistance while cutting a path through dirt, sand and water which also reduces hydroplaning (as opposed to traditional skateboard wheels which "steamroll" over obstacles)[1][3] Skateboarder Tony Hawk said he saw how the wheels could be very functional, especially downhill.

[1][3] Patrick funded Shark Wheels’ initial design and manufacturing though a Kickstarter campaign in the summer of 2013.